Star Trek: Online interview: Sonequa Martin-Green on legacy

io9: This is the first time you've ever appeared in a video game, but apparently, you've played Michael two – now three – seasons Star Trek: Discovery. How was that for you, entering this new adventure with Michael Burnham?

Sonequa Martin-Green: What do I tell you? In fact, I had a little experience just before enjoying doing this—Do some work for me Fast and Furious video game (Crossroads, will be out this year) … time flies. I think it's been a few years ago now. Over a year, for sure. I'm still a little crazy in the video game world. This was like, my second? Even so, this was a new experience for me. And I like your question, because there was something very special about coming to a new place with Michael Burnham. I was so honored to be approached for it. And,, just glad it's there! So, being able to see the animation and being able to, sort, join some of the myths of this Franchise was a big deal. I wouldn't be in the same organization as these other people, would I? So, it turned out to be a good trip in my opinion.

Io9: One of the things that made your performance as Michael stand out in the show is the very physical and authoritative interpretation of how you create this character. I was interested to see that come to this point, where you relied on your voice to include his character, was that a challenge?

Martin-Green: Oh, actually … it wasn't a challenge. Yes, I guess I have to say that it was a challenge something different the way. Because having this character's life is reflected in all my parts, seeing my voice, seeing my body, which gives me some experience and some freedom. But should I include all I have in my voice? It was a lot of fun. And that's what I mean when I say "challenge otherwise." I love the way my body is exposed to the video game. I've seen that from a pre-screened version I was sent, done in any way, but it gave me some ideas of what the scenes would be like. But even in that first animation, I thought it was really funny.

There is something to be said for the journey you continue where all you have is your voice. And especially if you are like something already created before you. Doing something is interactive as it is, but it's a new way of collaborating – because you have it these people there is to contribute a little to you in a straightforward way, if that makes sense. Decide how you will go through the space, what they have already done. You're taking your word and trying to present something that's been done for you. And I do that anyway, with a script, right? The words I have already given me. But, you know, it just takes me to the next level where words are created for you and the physical and.

I thought it was fun. And it was a very collaborative experience and they were very open to this interaction and they were very open, I said, “Hey listen, if something doesn't feel right – if it's something you know more than we do, We know. ”And (Micheal was well written), that happened a few times. There is always a little adjustment here and there, but other than that, they have his spirit and heart rate.

Io9: Not the first Discovery a character to jump into Star Trek: Online in recent years. Did you turn to one of them for advice?

Martin-Green: You know, I actually didn't. We talked about a lot of things they did in the room, in the studio. We talked about a few strategies they discovered and implemented while I was there, and that really helped to hear. But no, really, I'm starting to … I'm starting a journey with what I had. I felt very prepared, actually. I felt ready, I felt comfortable, I felt welcome. That had a lot of implications for the amazing creative team. I mustered up courage. And, you know, “I can do this! This will be great! So, I didn't feel the need to reach out. I really feel like I'm ready.

io9: This Inheritance The content of the story comes through a combination of different parts of Star Trek-It's almost time for the trip to go – and the game brings Michael to this precise location on his journey, before the climax the second season… for you as a midwife, what was it like trying to return to this emotional place after filming the third season?

Martin-Green: That's a good question too, because this is something I had to do a little bit like Michael Burnham – and there was a lot we had to do – because there are many reasons why you should come back and go back to something before, right? Simply speaking. There are reshoots. We should do ADR more often and after shooting scenes, when needed. So, I was used to that process, of going back to the past and repeating it, as if it were happening now. And as I spoke a while ago, because of the way they wrote this story we know about new things, too. It gave a new (take) to Michael. So … and that's – that something is really involved, the ability to go back to the past with these new things in it. Because then it's a new experience, even if you go back, it's something new (again).

What we do ( Discovery) is there, is contemporary, isn't it? But I really enjoyed it. Especially looking for things I didn't expect. I thought, you know, “This is compelling! This is something new. Something different, ”gritting my teeth in and holding ahold on. So, I had a great time with that. It takes focus, and you have to get in there. As always, you have to suspend your disbelief, your thinking will work. You have to get into these things. Come down that distance! So it really should have been about that inner work, but that? That's a very good thing. That's the work that needs to be done, all the time. But yeah, it was a lot of fun. I wish I could tell you why!

io9: You're familiar with that and Star Trek in the meantime, aren't you? CBS's sharp phaser monitor is always in the corner of your eye.

Martin-Green: Exactly, the pier will come out of the roof. (laughs)

io9: This content has been presented Star Trek: Online10th a reminder. How was it for you to be invited to participate as a face & # 39; face & # 39; of Discovery For now, and have you been my source for this latest canon intervention?

Martin-Green: My goodness! What I have found over the last three years that I have enjoyed so much – as much as I love to explain what it means to me, I have never touched it completely. It's too big to communicate, actually. I have tried many times, in many ways, to explain the impact it has had on me and what it means for me to also be the “face” of such a rich heritage. Knowing the impact. You have access. Knowing how it has affected people for generations. And I just … you know, I'm always relentless in whatever I've said right now and I think "that's not enough." So I started saying "Not Explained," right? It remains unchanged. That's the best way I can describe.

So, knowing there was a video game … didn't know a good deal about it before I was in that studio. Technology has taken us to great places and gambling is a big part of our culture now, and to know that Star Trek, the legacy, is access to people's homes (thus)? Of course … it's glorious! I appreciate how all the events take place (of Star Trek) built together in this beautiful world, if you will, for people to enjoy – it's just fun. And I'm really excited about this anniversary, its success over the past 10 years, it's been a great moment to celebrate it again, seeing as I come to this moment. But yes I like it. I love it! I think it's something different – I want more and I know it will be.

And they continue to push boundaries, Cryptic Studios – they have something, like, the same artists that work and make this content. And I'm always impressed by the level of creativity you see across the board, which we always see. And they just used it to get to the next level with the picture – even though they showed me the material I was talking about earlier, they kept saying "Ahh, there is still so much to be done," but it was just amazing! And I said, “That's what animation looks like now?!? This is you're crazy. ”(Laughter) I really feel we have some of the best minds in the profession Star Trek. Thank you.

Star Trek: OnlineContents of the 10th Anniversary Story, Inheritance, available now on PC and Console iterations for the game.